Following severe monsoon (Habagat) flooding across Central Luzon, RSE Foundation, Inc. (RSEFI) activated its Rapid Relief and Recovery (R3) program on August 27, delivering clean drinking water and hot meals to over 400 displaced families in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and Minalin, Pampanga.
Operating in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDO) of Hagonoy and Minalin, RSEFI distributed 2,400 liters of drinking water—providing 6 liters per family—and served hot meals to 2,000 individuals sheltered across local evacuation centers.
The RSEFI team, led by Programs and Initiatives Manager Hector Brizuela, along with Programs Supervisor Josh McCarver and Project Associate Crystal Lopez, facilitated the coordination of the R3 Relief Operations, supported by the Hagonoy and Minalin social welfare offices.
Hagonoy, Bulacan
Bringing help amid challenges
PTC Logistics and PTC Shipping Cluster supported the RSEFI R3 Relief Operations by providing transport assistance and employee volunteers. PTC Logistics sponsored a closed van to transport drinking water for 400 families, while volunteers Jaye Erickson De Guzman, Elyca Castillo, Angeline Dela Cruz, Anthony Deguito, and Jaime Amante III from PTC Logistics, alongside Keith Babatio, Zeith Babatio, Mariel Bagon, and Jeraldine Caballa from PTC Shipping Cluster, actively facilitated on-site distribution.
Weeks of torrential monsoon (Habagat) rains throughout August caused severe, widespread flooding across Central Luzon, overwhelming low-lying communities and local flood-control infrastructure in Bulacan and Pampanga. Daily high tides further aggravated the rainfall runoff in these coastal provinces, compounding the disaster and prolonging displacement for thousands of residents.
In Hagonoy, Bulacan, persistent tide-driven floodwaters kept families stranded and unable to return home. Responding to immediate needs, RSEFI and municipal MSWDO staff directly distributed hot meals and drinking water to 158 families across nine (9) evacuation centers. Because rising high tides restricted safe navigation, relief supplies for an additional 42 families in six centers were endorsed to local officials for final delivery.
Likewise, in Minalin, Pampanga, knee- to waist-deep floodwaters swamped local infrastructure and inundated coastal neighborhoods. RSEFI and Minalin MSWDO personnel directly served hot meals and drinking water to 95 families in four (4) evacuation centers. As inclement weather and high tides hindered further access, aid for 105 families across three additional centers was handed over to municipal staff to complete distribution.
Minalin, Pampanga
Eye opener
Deploying directly to the affected sites gave first-time volunteers from PTC Logistics and PTC Shipping Cluster a sobering, firsthand look at the severity of the crisis in Hagonoy and Minalin. Witnessing the extensive inundation up close deeply impacted the team, illustrating the grim reality local residents face during peak monsoon season.
For PTC Logistics volunteer Elyca Castillo, who initially joined to document the operation, the experience proved deeply eye-opening. “I was tasked to document the activity, but seeing the situation where flooding became the norm in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and Minalin, Pampanga, I felt helpless for them, and yet, they showed appreciation and gratitude for the help and support we offered,” Castillo reflected. “I hope things can get better for them.”
Mariel Bagon of the PTC Shipping Cluster, a native of flood-prone Calumpit, Bulacan, brought a personal perspective to the relief mission. “In Calumpit, Bulacan, I think we experience higher floodwaters there. Although people get used to it and adapt to it, we still look forward to a future where flooding would not be expected when torrential rains pour,” Bagon shared. “Still, it is sad to see our fellow Filipinos suffer and have to live through this situation.”
Local collaboration and powerful partnerships
The execution of the R3 Relief Operations was made possible through crucial public-private collaboration. RSEFI extends its sincere gratitude to the Municipal Government of Hagonoy, led by Mayor Ma. Rosario Alvarado-Mendoza, and the Hagonoy MSWDO under Dr. Jeffrey DC. Lobos and staff members Kristine Perez, Ana Lian Dela Cruz, Maarnie Santos, and Johanna Gabriel. Equal appreciation goes to the Municipal Government of Minalin, led by Mayor Noel Philip Naguit, and the Minalin MSWDO under Kaye Navarro-Cunanan and Katherine Santiago. RSEFI also recognizes PTC Logistics, led by Maricris Campit alongside Business Development Head Andres Borromeo and Business Development and Account Management Executive Annabelle Basco, for providing vital transport, manpower, and operational assistance.
As RSEFI’s dedicated disaster response and early recovery segment, the Rapid Relief and Recovery (R3) Program delivers immediate humanitarian aid—including hot meals, relief packs, and hygiene kits—to displaced families during emergencies.
Together with its partners, RSEFI remains steadfast in building resilient, sustainable, and empowered communities.
RSEFI welcomes corporate and institutional partners to support the R3 Program. Interested parties may reach out to Resource Mobilization and Administration Manager Arlene Ramirez ([email protected]) or Programs and Initiatives Manager Hector Brizuela ([email protected]).
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